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Gigante CM, Gao J, Tang S, McCollum AM, Wilkins K, Reynolds MG, Davidson W, McLaughlin J, Olson VA, Li Y. Genome of Alaskapox Virus, A Novel Orthopoxvirus Isolated from Alaska. Viruses 2019; 11:E708. [PMID: 31375015 PMCID: PMC6723315 DOI: 10.3390/v11080708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the eradication of smallpox, there have been increases in poxvirus infections and the emergence of several novel poxviruses that can infect humans and domestic animals. In 2015, a novel poxvirus was isolated from a resident of Alaska. Diagnostic testing and limited sequence analysis suggested this isolate was a member of the Orthopoxvirus (OPXV) genus but was highly diverged from currently known species, including Akhmeta virus. Here, we present the complete 210,797 bp genome sequence of the Alaska poxvirus isolate, containing 206 predicted open reading frames. Phylogenetic analysis of the conserved central region of the genome suggested the Alaska isolate shares a common ancestor with Old World OPXVs and is diverged from New World OPXVs. We propose this isolate as a member of a new OPXV species, Alaskapox virus (AKPV). The AKPV genome contained host range and virulence genes typical of OPXVs but lacked homologs of C4L and B7R, and the hemagglutinin gene contained a unique 120 amino acid insertion. Seven predicted AKPV proteins were most similar to proteins in non-OPXV Murmansk or NY_014 poxviruses. Genomic analysis revealed evidence suggestive of recombination with Ectromelia virus in two putative regions that contain seven predicted coding sequences, including the A-type inclusion protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal M Gigante
- Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Jinxin Gao
- Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Shiyuyun Tang
- Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Andrea M McCollum
- Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Kimberly Wilkins
- Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Mary G Reynolds
- Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Whitni Davidson
- Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Joseph McLaughlin
- Alaska Division of Public Health, Section of Epidemiology, Anchorage, AK 99503, USA
| | - Victoria A Olson
- Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Yu Li
- Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA.
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Abstract
This chapter describes the simple, rapid, and inexpensive preparation of template DNA from poxvirus-infected cells, plaques, or crude virus stocks for PCR amplification. This technique is reliable and robust and only requires centrifugation, detergent, and protease treatment. The resulting DNA template preparation is suitable for PCR amplification for screening viruses, cloning, transfection, and DNA sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Roper
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA.
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3
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Ricordel M, Foloppe J, Pichon C, Findeli A, Tosch C, Cordier P, Cochin S, Quémeneur E, Camus-Bouclainville C, Bertagnoli S, Erbs P. Oncolytic properties of non-vaccinia poxviruses. Oncotarget 2018; 9:35891-35906. [PMID: 30542506 PMCID: PMC6267605 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.26288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccinia virus, a member of the Poxviridae family, has been extensively used as an oncolytic agent and has entered late stage clinical development. In this study, we evaluated the potential oncolytic properties of other members of the Poxviridae family. Numerous tumor cell lines were infected with ten non-vaccinia poxviruses to identify which virus displayed the most potential as an oncolytic agent. Cell viability indicated that tumor cell lines were differentially susceptible to each virus. Raccoonpox virus was the most potent of the tested poxviruses and was highly effective in controlling cell growth in all tumor cell lines. To investigate further the oncolytic capacity of the Raccoonpox virus, we have generated a thymidine kinase (TK)-deleted recombinant Raccoonpox virus expressing the suicide gene FCU1. This TK-deleted Raccoonpox virus was notably attenuated in normal primary cells but replicated efficiently in numerous tumor cell lines. In human colon cancer xenograft model, a single intratumoral inoculation of the recombinant Raccoonpox virus, in combination with 5-fluorocytosine administration, produced relevant tumor growth control. The results demonstrated significant antitumoral activity of this new modified Raccoonpox virus armed with FCU1 and this virus could be considered to be included into the growing armamentarium of oncolytic virotherapy for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Ricordel
- Transgene SA, Illkirch-Graffenstaden 67405, France.,Current address: Polyplus-transfection SA, Illkirch-Graffenstaden 67400, France
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Prow NA, Jimenez Martinez R, Hayball JD, Howley PM, Suhrbier A. Poxvirus-based vector systems and the potential for multi-valent and multi-pathogen vaccines. Expert Rev Vaccines 2018; 17:925-934. [PMID: 30300041 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2018.1522255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION With the increasing number of vaccines and vaccine-preventable diseases, the pressure to generate multi-valent and multi-pathogen vaccines grows. Combining individual established vaccines to generate single-shot formulations represents an established path, with significant ensuing public health and cost benefits. Poxvirus-based vector systems have the capacity for large recombinant payloads and have been widely used as platforms for the development of recombinant vaccines encoding multiple antigens, with considerable clinical trials activity and a number of registered and licensed products. AREAS COVERED Herein we discuss design strategies, production processes, safety issues, regulatory hurdles and clinical trial activities, as well as pertinent new technologies such as systems vaccinology and needle-free delivery. Literature searches used PubMed, Google Scholar and clinical trials registries, with a focus on the recombinant vaccinia-based systems, Modified Vaccinia Ankara and the recently developed Sementis Copenhagen Vector. EXPERT COMMENTARY Vaccinia-based platforms show considerable promise for the development of multi-valent and multi-pathogen vaccines, especially with recent developments in vector technologies and manufacturing processes. New methodologies for defining immune correlates and human challenge models may also facilitate bringing such vaccines to market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie A Prow
- a Inflammation Biology , QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute , Brisbane , Australia.,b Inflammation Biology , Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre , Brisbane , Australia
| | - Rocio Jimenez Martinez
- a Inflammation Biology , QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute , Brisbane , Australia
| | - John D Hayball
- c Experimental Therapeutics Laboratory, School of Pharmacy & Medical Sciences , University of South Australia Cancer Research Institute , Adelaide , Australia
| | - Paul M Howley
- d Inflammation Biology , Sementis Ltd , Berwick , Australia
| | - Andreas Suhrbier
- a Inflammation Biology , QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute , Brisbane , Australia.,b Inflammation Biology , Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre , Brisbane , Australia
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White M, Freistaedter A, Jones GJB, Zervos E, Roper RL. Development of improved therapeutic mesothelin-based vaccines for pancreatic cancer. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0193131. [PMID: 29474384 PMCID: PMC5825036 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is the 5th leading cause of cancer deaths, and there are no effective treatments. We developed a poxvirus platform vaccine with improved immunogenicity and inserted the mesothelin gene to create an anti-mesothelin cancer vaccine. Mesothelin expression is mostly restricted to tumors in adult mammals and thus may be a good target for cancer treatment. We show here that the modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) virus expressing mesothelin and the enhanced MVA virus missing the immunosuppressive A35 gene and expressing mesothelin were both safe in mice and were able to induce IFN-gamma secreting T cells in response to mesothelin expressing tumor cells. In addition, the MVA virus has oncolytic properties in vitro as it can replicate in and kill Panc02 pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell line tumor cells, even though it is unable to replicate in most mammalian cells. Deletion of the A35 gene in MVA improved T cell responses as expected. However, we were unable to demonstrate inhibition of Panc02 tumor growth in immunocompetent mice with pre-vaccination of mice, boosts, or even intratumoral injections of the recombinant viruses. Vaccine efficacy may be limited by shedding of mesothelin from tumor cells thus creating a protective screen from the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael White
- Department of Surgery, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States of America
| | - Andrew Freistaedter
- Department of Microbiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States of America
| | - Gwendolyn J B Jones
- Department of Microbiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States of America
| | - Emmanuel Zervos
- Department of Surgery, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States of America
| | - Rachel L Roper
- Department of Microbiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States of America
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Reynolds MG, Guagliardo SAJ, Nakazawa YJ, Doty JB, Mauldin MR. Understanding orthopoxvirus host range and evolution: from the enigmatic to the usual suspects. Curr Opin Virol 2018; 28:108-115. [PMID: 29288901 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2017.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In general, orthopoxviruses can be considered as falling into one of three host-utilization categories: highly specialized, single-host; broad host range; or 'cryptic', the last encompassing those viruses about which very little is known. Single-host viruses tend to exploit abundant hosts that have consistent patterns of interaction. For these viruses, observed genome reduction and loss of presumptive host-range genes is thought to be a consequence of relaxed selection. In contrast, the large genome size retained among broad host range orthopoxviruses suggests these viruses may depend on multiple host species for persistence in nature. Our understanding of the ecologic requirements of orthopoxviruses is strongly influenced by geographic biases in data collection. This hinders our ability to predict potential sources for emergence of orthopoxvirus-associated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary G Reynolds
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, 1600 Clifton Rd., NE Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.
| | - Sarah Anne J Guagliardo
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, 1600 Clifton Rd., NE Atlanta, GA 30333, USA; United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Epidemic Intelligence Service, 1600 Clifton Rd., NE Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Yoshinori J Nakazawa
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, 1600 Clifton Rd., NE Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Jeffrey B Doty
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, 1600 Clifton Rd., NE Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Matthew R Mauldin
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, 1600 Clifton Rd., NE Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
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Okeke MI, Okoli AS, Diaz D, Offor C, Oludotun TG, Tryland M, Bøhn T, Moens U. Hazard Characterization of Modified Vaccinia Virus Ankara Vector: What Are the Knowledge Gaps? Viruses 2017; 9:v9110318. [PMID: 29109380 PMCID: PMC5707525 DOI: 10.3390/v9110318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 10/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) is the vector of choice for human and veterinary applications due to its strong safety profile and immunogenicity in vivo. The use of MVA and MVA-vectored vaccines against human and animal diseases must comply with regulatory requirements as they pertain to environmental risk assessment, particularly the characterization of potential adverse effects to humans, animals and the environment. MVA and recombinant MVA are widely believed to pose low or negligible risk to ecosystem health. However, key aspects of MVA biology require further research in order to provide data needed to evaluate the potential risks that may occur due to the use of MVA and MVA-vectored vaccines. The purpose of this paper is to identify knowledge gaps in the biology of MVA and recombinant MVA that are of relevance to its hazard characterization and discuss ongoing and future experiments aimed at providing data necessary to fill in the knowledge gaps. In addition, we presented arguments for the inclusion of uncertainty analysis and experimental investigation of verifiable worst-case scenarios in the environmental risk assessment of MVA and recombinant MVA. These will contribute to improved risk assessment of MVA and recombinant MVA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malachy I Okeke
- Genome Editing Research Group, GenØk-Center for Biosafety, Siva Innovation Center, N-9294 Tromso, Norway.
| | - Arinze S Okoli
- Genome Editing Research Group, GenØk-Center for Biosafety, Siva Innovation Center, N-9294 Tromso, Norway.
| | - Diana Diaz
- Molecular Inflammation Research Group, Institute of Medical Biology, University i Tromsø (UiT)-The Arctic University of Norway, N-9037 Tromso, Norway.
| | - Collins Offor
- Department of Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, IMC University of Applied Sciences Piaristengasse 1, A-3500 Krems, Austria.
| | - Taiwo G Oludotun
- Department of Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, IMC University of Applied Sciences Piaristengasse 1, A-3500 Krems, Austria.
| | - Morten Tryland
- Genome Editing Research Group, GenØk-Center for Biosafety, Siva Innovation Center, N-9294 Tromso, Norway.
- Artic Infection Biology, Department of Artic and Marine Biology, UIT-The Artic University of Norway, N-9037 Tromso, Norway.
| | - Thomas Bøhn
- Genome Editing Research Group, GenØk-Center for Biosafety, Siva Innovation Center, N-9294 Tromso, Norway.
| | - Ugo Moens
- Molecular Inflammation Research Group, Institute of Medical Biology, University i Tromsø (UiT)-The Arctic University of Norway, N-9037 Tromso, Norway.
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Stading B, Ellison JA, Carson WC, Satheshkumar PS, Rocke TE, Osorio JE. Protection of bats (Eptesicus fuscus) against rabies following topical or oronasal exposure to a recombinant raccoon poxvirus vaccine. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005958. [PMID: 28976983 PMCID: PMC5643138 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Revised: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Rabies is an ancient neglected tropical disease that causes tens of thousands of human deaths and millions of cattle deaths annually. In order to develop a new vaccine for potential use in bats, a reservoir of rabies infection for humans and animals alike, an in silico antigen designer tool was used to create a mosaic glycoprotein (MoG) gene using available sequences from the rabies Phylogroup I glycoprotein. This sequence, which represents strains more likely to occur in bats, was cloned into raccoonpox virus (RCN) and the efficacy of this novel RCN-MoG vaccine was compared to RCN-G that expresses the glycoprotein gene from CVS-11 rabies or luciferase (RCN-luc, negative control) in mice and big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus). Mice vaccinated and boosted intradermally with 1 x 107 plaque forming units (PFU) of each RCN-rabies vaccine construct developed neutralizing antibodies and survived at significantly higher rates than controls. No significant difference in antibody titers or survival was noted between rabies-vaccinated groups. Bats were vaccinated either oronasally (RCN-G, RCN-MoG) with 5x107 PFU or by topical application in glycerin jelly (RCN-MoG, dose 2x108 PFU), boosted (same dose and route) at 46 days post vaccination (dpv), and then challenged with wild-type big brown variant RABV at 65 dpv. Prior to challenge, 90% of RCN-G and 75% of RCN-MoG oronasally vaccinated bats had detectable levels of serum rabies neutralizing antibodies. Bats from the RCN-luc and topically vaccinated RCN-MoG groups did not have measurable antibody responses. The RCN-rabies constructs were highly protective and not significantly different from each other. RCN-MoG provided 100% protection (n = 9) when delivered oronasally and 83% protection (n = 6) when delivered topically; protection provided by the RCN-G construct was 70% (n = 10). All rabies-vaccinated bats survived at a significantly (P ≤ 0.02) higher rate than control bats (12%; n = 8). We have demonstrated the efficacy of a novel, in silico designed rabies MoG antigen that conferred protection from rabies challenge in mice and big brown bats in laboratory studies. With further development, topical or oronasal administration of the RCN-MoG vaccine could potentially mitigate rabies in wild bat populations, reducing spillover of this deadly disease into humans, domestic mammals, and other wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Stading
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - James A. Ellison
- Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - William C. Carson
- Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Panayampalli Subbian Satheshkumar
- Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Tonie E. Rocke
- US Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- * E-mail: (JEO); (TER)
| | - Jorge E. Osorio
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- * E-mail: (JEO); (TER)
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Farré D, Martínez-Vicente P, Engel P, Angulo A. Immunoglobulin superfamily members encoded by viruses and their multiple roles in immune evasion. Eur J Immunol 2017; 47:780-796. [PMID: 28383780 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201746984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Revised: 03/11/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Pathogens have developed a plethora of strategies to undermine host immune defenses in order to guarantee their survival. For large DNA viruses, these immune evasion mechanisms frequently rely on the expression of genes acquired from host genomes. Horizontally transferred genes include members of the immunoglobulin superfamily, whose products constitute the most diverse group of proteins of vertebrate genomes. Their promiscuous immunoglobulin domains, which comprise the building blocks of these molecules, are involved in a large variety of functions mediated by ligand-binding interactions. The flexible structural nature of the immunoglobulin domains makes them appealing targets for viral capture due to their capacity to generate high functional diversity. Here, we present an up-to-date review of immunoglobulin superfamily gene homologs encoded by herpesviruses, poxviruses, and adenoviruses, that include CD200, CD47, Fc receptors, interleukin-1 receptor 2, interleukin-18 binding protein, CD80, carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecules, and signaling lymphocyte activation molecules. We discuss their distinct structural attributes, binding properties, and functions, shaped by evolutionary pressures to disarm specific immune pathways. We include several novel genes identified from extensive genome database surveys. An understanding of the properties and modes of action of these viral proteins may guide the development of novel immune-modulatory therapeutic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domènec Farré
- Immunology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Medical School, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pablo Martínez-Vicente
- Immunology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Medical School, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pablo Engel
- Immunology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Medical School, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Angulo
- Immunology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Medical School, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
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Abstract
Poxviruses cause many diseases in humans and animals worldwide, and there is a need for vaccines with improved safety and good efficacy. In addition, poxvirus vectors are widely used as recombinant vaccines for various infectious diseases and as recombinant and oncolytic vaccines for cancer. One concern with poxvirus vaccine vectors is that some poxviruses can infect a developing fetus and cause fetal loss or congenital disease. This can be an issue both for patients receiving a vaccine and for pregnant health care providers, including doctors, nurses, and veterinarians, who might receive accidental exposure to the poxvirus by injection or during patient care. We describe here a method for analyzing the safety of virus exposure in pregnant mammals using a mouse model testing vaccinia, canarypox, and raccoonpox virus vectors.
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The genomes of three North American orthopoxviruses. Virus Genes 2016; 53:21-34. [PMID: 27613417 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-016-1388-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The complete genomes of a skunkpox, volepox, and raccoonpox virus were sequenced and annotated. Phylogenetic analysis of these genomes indicates that although these viruses are all orthopoxviruses, they form a distinct clade to the other known species. This supports the ancient divergence of the North American orthopoxviruses from other members of the orthopoxviruses. Only two open reading frames appear to be unique to this group of viruses, but a relatively small number of insertions/deletions contribute to the varied gene content of this clade. The availability of these genomes will help determine whether skunkpox and volepox viruses share the characteristics that make raccoonpox a useful vaccine vector.
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